- Seattle, Washington-based manufacturer of inherently safe nuclear fuels to establish new facility in Roane County
- Company will invest $13 million in Oak Ridge over the next five years
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) officials announced today the company will establish new manufacturing operations in Oak Ridge.
USNC will invest $13 million in its Pilot Fuel Manufacturing (PFM) facility and create 31 new jobs over the next five years.
Located in the East Tennessee Technology Park, the Oak Ridge pilot facility will specialize in manufacturing the company’s Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated (FCM®) nuclear fuel and refractory ceramic (silicon carbide) materials. The inherently safe FCM fuel is designed for use in USNC’s Micro Modular Reactor (MMR™) and other advanced reactors.
The facility will be in close proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the U.S. Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration’s Y-12 National Security Complex, allowing USNC to leverage the region’s highly skilled workforce, which is trained to work on nuclear fuel solutions.
Privately funded, American-owned and controlled, USNC is headquartered in Seattle, Washington, and is a global leader in the deployment of micro reactors and a strong vertical integrator of nuclear power technologies. Today, the company employs more than 150 people across its operations in Canada, France, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the U.S.
In the last five years, TNECD has supported more than 60 economic development projects in the East Tennessee region resulting in roughly 9,500 job commitments and approximately $3 billion in capital investment.
QUOTES
“As a national leader in clean, reliable nuclear energy, Tennessee plays a significant role in powering America and fueling our economy. Our highly skilled workforce, strong business climate and local advantages make Oak Ridge the premier location for Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, and I commend their decision to expand in Tennessee.” – Gov. Bill Lee
“Tennessee’s diverse landscape and business friendly climate attract an array of companies to the state. We are fortunate to have valuable assets like ORNL in East Tennessee that can provide resources in science and technology to companies like Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation. We appreciate the company’s investment in Roane County and look forward to seeing its future success.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe
“Tennessee and the East Tennessee Technology Park provide a unique environment for an advanced nuclear innovator like USNC. Our proximity to key players in the nuclear energy complex, as well as the exceptionally skilled workforce in the area, are important contributing factors in the success of our Pilot Fuel Manufacturing facility. The support and thorough engagement we received from TNECD and its partners made the siting of our facility in this region an obvious choice.” – Executive Vice President of the Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation Core Division Kurt Terrani
“TVA and Oak Ridge Electric Department congratulate Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation on its decision to locate operations in Oak Ridge. Helping to attract quality jobs and investment from innovative companies like USNC, to the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service. We are proud to partner with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Roane Alliance, City of Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to further that mission and look forward to USNC’s future success in the Valley.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development
“I’m proud to help announce that Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation will be expanding their successful operations with the addition of 31 new jobs in Oak Ridge. This is an exciting day for our community as this announcement shows that Roane County is open for business.” – Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston)
“Oak Ridge continues to build upon its world-class reputation for being at the forefront of advancements in science and energy. This major investment by Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation further highlights the skilled workforce and unique opportunities that our community offers. I appreciate all of those who worked to make this exciting announcement possible and look forward to the continued growth and successes of USNC in Roane County.” – Rep. Kent Calfee (R-Kingston)
About Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation
Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), a wholly U.S.-controlled corporation headquartered in Seattle, is a global leader in the deployment of micro reactors, and a strong vertical integrator of nuclear power technologies. The company is committed to bringing safe, commercially competitive, clean and reliable nuclear energy to power markets throughout the world. USNC is demonstrating MMR Energy Systems at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in partnership with Ontario Power Generation and at the University of Illinois, and has started new projects to further deploy its technology in the United States, Canada, and Europe. The company adheres to strict inherent and intrinsic safety principles through technological innovation in fuels, materials, and design. USNC is Reliable Energy. Anywhere.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
USNC Media Contact
Ray Vincenzo
(206) 290-4431
[email protected]
TNECD Media Contact
Lindsey Tipton
Public Information Officer
(615) 339-6608
[email protected]
Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy
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